188 DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. 



tender to the touch and swollen, the watery faeces adhere to the 

 wool of the tail and thighs, causing soreness and sometimes ulcer- 

 ation of the parts. Flies invade the sore surfaces, maggots de- 

 veloping as a result of their attacks. The sheep has an excessive 

 thirst, the appetite is unnaturally good, the animal still eating, 

 notwithstanding its weakened and diseased condition. Death 

 may result in a few days, or the attack may be prolonged up to 

 five or eight weeks, the animal finally succumbing from exhaus- 

 tion. The wool may become so matted over the rump as to pre- 

 vent the expulsion of the faeces. This condition is called "pind- 

 ing," and should it not be removed it will eventually cause death 

 from retention of the faecal matter. Mistakes are also liable to 

 occur. A cursory examination might result in this condition 

 being taken for constipation, and purgatives administered, which 

 would produce fatal effects. Youatt makes special mention of 

 this condition, and states that it is frequently found affecting 

 ewes when suckling lambs. To avoid this condition in cases of 

 dysentery the wool on the rump and thighs should be removed 

 and the parts kept clean. The following powder dusted on the 

 part will be soothing and prevent the attacks of flies. 



Take. Iodoform -| drachm 



Calomel 1 drachm 



Sub-nitrate of bismuth 2 ounces 



Mix. Or a solution of oil of tar and turpentine can be em- 

 ployed, which is less expensive and equally effective, as 



Oil of tar 1 ounce 



Spirits of turpentine 1 ounce 



Spirits of camphor 2 ounces 



Neatsfoot oil 4 ounces 



The affected animals should be comfortably housed. The 

 diet must be of the best. Dry feed, such as a ration of oats and 

 bran, with good hay, with small allowance of linseed meal. In 

 the commencement of the disease give the sheep four ounces of 



